Within the framework of the MATRA project “Promoting Community Engagement, Public Safety, and Empowerment in the Security Sector in Kosovo,” the Jahjaga Foundation has officially launched the Network of Women in the Security Sector in Kosovo (NWSSK). This is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the role and impact of women across security institutions.
The Network is designed as a professional platform that fosters collaboration and connection among women working in the security sector and related institutions. It focuses on facilitating the exchange of experiences, strengthening professional capacities, and contributing to the long-term development of a more inclusive and resilient security sector in Kosovo.
Establishment and Strategic Vision
The first meeting of the Network marked a key milestone in this journey. The meeting was opened by Ms. Egzona Bexheti, Executive Director of the Jahjaga Foundation, who emphasized the importance of creating a shared space to advance gender equality and empower women within the security sector.
Participants included representatives from key partner institutions such as the Kosovo Police, Kosovo Security Force, Kosovo Correctional Service, Police Inspectorate of Kosovo, Association of Kosovo Municipalities, Agency for Emergency Management, Agency for Gender Equality, and the National Audit Office.
During the meeting, the Jahjaga Foundation team presented the baseline report “From Inclusion to Impact: Women in the Security Sector in Kosovo.” The report highlights that despite progress in legal and policy frameworks, women continue to face structural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers. These challenges limit their participation, career advancement, and leadership roles, with representation remaining particularly low at decision-making levels. Issues such as work-life balance, lack of inclusive policies, and persistent gender stereotypes were identified as key obstacles.
Strengthening Institutional Cooperation
A central component of the Network’s development has been the formalization of partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Initial agreements were signed with key institutions, including:
- Kosovo Police
- Kosovo Security Force
- Kosovo Correctional Service
- Police Inspectorate of Kosovo
- Association of Kosovo Municipalities
- National Audit Office
- Agency for Gender Equality
- Agency for Emergency Management
- Agency for Information and Privacy
These institutions are part of the Network and contribute to its consolidation as an open and collaborative mechanism aimed at empowering women and advancing gender equality in the security sector.
Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
The establishment and expansion of the Network of Women in the Security Sector represent an important step toward building a more inclusive, accountable, and gender-responsive security sector in Kosovo. By strengthening cooperation, encouraging dialogue, and promoting women’s leadership, the Network lays the foundation for long-term, sustainable change.
The Jahjaga Foundation remains committed to further advancing this initiative, ensuring that the Network continues to grow as an open and impactfull mechanism.
